Also Known As that Big Ass Witchy Book on My Shelf
Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation by Silver RavenWolf
I have had this book for a number of years. It is one of my most read and well loved books on the shelf (please forgive its battered state, its been through a lot). It first came into my life when I was in high school and my small group of friends that were also witches were discussing the book. One of us bought it (Lady Aconita! Do you remember who actually owned it?) and we were passing around notes from it during class (a sort of alternative form of education I suppose). When there was a falling out within that group, I knew I would have to get my own copy eventually...that eventually came nearly a decade later.
When I decided to write a review of this book, I looked at other reviews and mentions online to see if this writing would still be relevant today. Obviously I decided that it was because witches older and younger than myself are still grabbing it off the shelves! That being said, the reviews of the book are on a wide scale with some loving it (like myself) and some outright hating it. One only needs to look at the Amazon reviews to see the spread of opinions.
While I do not want to linger on the discord of some of the bad reviews, I did want to acknowledge that many that I read seemed to be written by people making assumptions about the book rather than reading it for themselves. These assumptions are often based on RavenWolf's controversial books for teens, which have been disregarded as "fluffy" and, in some cases, inappropriate for the age range they are published for. This is, of course, another topic all together but I did want to say I love Silver RavenWolf's writing, she is one of the reasons I studied witchcraft as a teenager, and many of the people that consider her work to be "fluff" ...well I can't really see it and don't think they've actually read much of her work. (Another note: her works of teen fiction are meant to be taken as that - fiction, not how-to manuals).
-deep breath-
Now that we have that covered, let's move on and get into The Ultimate BOS, shall we?
When I decided to write a review of this book, I looked at other reviews and mentions online to see if this writing would still be relevant today. Obviously I decided that it was because witches older and younger than myself are still grabbing it off the shelves! That being said, the reviews of the book are on a wide scale with some loving it (like myself) and some outright hating it. One only needs to look at the Amazon reviews to see the spread of opinions.
While I do not want to linger on the discord of some of the bad reviews, I did want to acknowledge that many that I read seemed to be written by people making assumptions about the book rather than reading it for themselves. These assumptions are often based on RavenWolf's controversial books for teens, which have been disregarded as "fluffy" and, in some cases, inappropriate for the age range they are published for. This is, of course, another topic all together but I did want to say I love Silver RavenWolf's writing, she is one of the reasons I studied witchcraft as a teenager, and many of the people that consider her work to be "fluff" ...well I can't really see it and don't think they've actually read much of her work. (Another note: her works of teen fiction are meant to be taken as that - fiction, not how-to manuals).
-deep breath-
Now that we have that covered, let's move on and get into The Ultimate BOS, shall we?
The book is mapped out in 5 sections (not counting the index and what-nots in the back). Each section takes us deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole from the very basics of witchy history (including the why-fors and how-tos) and on to a grimoire of practices and principles. Each section is also marked by little black tabs on the side so that you can go to any particular part of the book upon opening, rather than consulting the main table of contents in the front.
Each section has its own table of contents. I found this incredibly helpful rather than a 4 page table of contents at the very front to have to keep referring back to. The book actually reads more like an encyclopedia. The organization and effort that went into it...well, I cannot imagine and I wish my own book of shadows was this well put-together (confession: its actually a box of pages at this point waiting on me to reorganize and put it back into book-form).
Each section has its own table of contents. I found this incredibly helpful rather than a 4 page table of contents at the very front to have to keep referring back to. The book actually reads more like an encyclopedia. The organization and effort that went into it...well, I cannot imagine and I wish my own book of shadows was this well put-together (confession: its actually a box of pages at this point waiting on me to reorganize and put it back into book-form).
Shadows of Religion & Mystery
In this section, Silver covers some basic history and principles of witchcraft.
I wanted to note that this section is heavily influenced by Silver's own religious beliefs rather than an over-all view of witchcraft from different cultures. Most of the principles and sections here deal with Wiccan belief systems such as the Charge of the Goddess, sabbats, the Wiccan Rede, and the Witch's Pyramid. That being said, most of this information is good to know for any witch seeking a magickal education, even if they don't practice this in their own lives.
I am a particular fan of the sections on circle-casting (as it answers the question of why we cast a circle in the first place), rites of passage, and ritual from preparation to structure. Yes, this is all basic, 101 sort of stuff but I think even well-versed witches would do themselves some good to review these beginner principles now and then and remind themselves of where we come from and why we do what we do.
I wanted to note that this section is heavily influenced by Silver's own religious beliefs rather than an over-all view of witchcraft from different cultures. Most of the principles and sections here deal with Wiccan belief systems such as the Charge of the Goddess, sabbats, the Wiccan Rede, and the Witch's Pyramid. That being said, most of this information is good to know for any witch seeking a magickal education, even if they don't practice this in their own lives.
I am a particular fan of the sections on circle-casting (as it answers the question of why we cast a circle in the first place), rites of passage, and ritual from preparation to structure. Yes, this is all basic, 101 sort of stuff but I think even well-versed witches would do themselves some good to review these beginner principles now and then and remind themselves of where we come from and why we do what we do.
Shadows of Objects & Tools
This is the smallest section of the book and, I must admit, the one I use the least. Here is where the basic tools are described and the reader is given some basic knowledge of how to use them. I think it is the briefest section because one could write whole books on each category (and have). If you find yourself here, wanting to learn more about the 4 main ritual tools, candle-making for magick, the creation of poppets, and more then I would recommend finding a book that focuses soley on those matters rather than a book like this that only has space for a brief overview to give you the basic idea of why they are important.
Books I recommend include:
Books I recommend include:
Shadows of Expertise & Proficiency
Once we get into the last three sections of the book, the table of contents at the beginning of each section become more and more necessary. These sections are much larger and detailed than the last two. It is also helpful that the sections are laid out alphabetically so if you are studying herbalism and astrological connections, this section is where you need to go and you can easily flip between Astrology and Herbs either by checking with the table of contents or focusing on A and H.
This is the section of the book that I admit I use the most. I am not particularly proficient at astrology at this time and I find Silver's section and how-to's here to be very beneficial. She explains parts about astrology like charting, degrees, hour tables, and retrogrades in such a way that I'm finally, after years of struggling with even my own natal chart, starting to understand. |
I think this section also shows that, though Silver is an old-hand at most aspects of witchcraft, she is particularly fond of certain aspects - Astrology, history, and spell work.
The only part about this section that I found to be an issue (a very minor one) is I don't really understand the inclusion of Affirmations here nor would I have organized the section in the ways she has with Hoodoo and Pow-wow as merely mentioned as segments of spellwork and not given more of a place in the first part of the book as a cultural and magickal lifestyle and practice. I am sure she had her reasons but I can't place them in my own head. I also give a lot of thought to wondering if she or the editors placed things in the book as they are now.
The only part about this section that I found to be an issue (a very minor one) is I don't really understand the inclusion of Affirmations here nor would I have organized the section in the ways she has with Hoodoo and Pow-wow as merely mentioned as segments of spellwork and not given more of a place in the first part of the book as a cultural and magickal lifestyle and practice. I am sure she had her reasons but I can't place them in my own head. I also give a lot of thought to wondering if she or the editors placed things in the book as they are now.
Shadows of Magick & Enchantment
Here is a favorite section of more than a few of my friends. Silver begins to guide us to dip our toes into the work of Hermes Trismegistus, Alchemy, and correspondences. I admit, I don't use this section much as I prefer to refer to my own tables of correspondences and associations rather than using those supplied by others. I will say that I recommend this section highly to those just getting into associative magick and into creating their own talismans and amulets. The correspondence charts and segments here pair very well with the last section with working on spells, using tools, etc.
Shadows of Magick & Real Life
Here is what I consider to be Silver's forte - using magick in everyday life. Here you will find spells, advice, and magickal mindsets for problems spanning minor life struggles of acne and homesickness to major difficulties of imprisonment, finding a job, and eating disorders.
I think this is the section that we can see Silver as a leader in her community and as a mom as she takes so much into consideration and, I believe, that much of this section probably came from real issues that either she, her daughter, or those in her life have had to deal with. As someone who loves to help others add magick into their lives every day, there is a lot of love from me to Silver for putting this section in The Ultimate Book of Shadows (and for including similar sections in most of her non-fiction books).
I think this is the section that we can see Silver as a leader in her community and as a mom as she takes so much into consideration and, I believe, that much of this section probably came from real issues that either she, her daughter, or those in her life have had to deal with. As someone who loves to help others add magick into their lives every day, there is a lot of love from me to Silver for putting this section in The Ultimate Book of Shadows (and for including similar sections in most of her non-fiction books).
Final Notes
I do wish this book came in hard back. This paperback book tends to get a little battered and the spine on mine is already warped from continual use. Also, my back cover is torn from the simple act of moving it around my office space. I get that the addition of a hard cover would make the book heavier but its already a size that I would not consider lugging around to the cafe or study group with me unless necessary so I would not be opposed to a little more weight. This is, of course, more of a publishers issue than it is a book or author issue (are you reading this Llewellyn?!?).
This book is also great to take into consideration when creating your own book of shadows. Use the sections and tables of contents when figuring out what sections you would like to include in your own book or in a book you might be creating for a coven, a beginner witch under your mentorship, or your child if you plan to raise them in the path.
As I am sure you have guessed by my continuous mentions of how much I like this book, I am rating it 5 stars. It is a book that will be on my shelves for perusal and reference for many years and I don't foresee there being a time I don't recommend it to those starting out in the craft.
Silver RavenWolfOne of the biggest controversial names in witchcraft today! Silver's writing career began with how-to articles on art projects and fictional short stories that blossomed into a full-time career in 1991 with her first full length book. Since that time she has written over 21 books for Llewellyn World Wide. Silver is the Tradition Head of the Black Forest Clan, a Wiccan training organization that has grown exponentially in the past twenty years. Not Only is Silver a Witch, she is also a Braucherei (Pow-Wow) Practitioner. With over twenty years of experience, Silver teaches this amazing faith healing system to students all over the world. Be sure to check out her blog and her website. |